Lewis-Clark State rebounds with win over College Of Idaho

Published On: May 26 2012 06:21:29 PM PDT

LEWISTON, Idaho -

Propelled by a strong first inning, No. 6 Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) eliminates No. 10 College of Idaho with a 5-1 victory on Saturday at the 2012 Avista-NAIA World Series at Harris Field in Lewiston, Idaho. With the win, the Warriors advance to play the loser of No. 1 LSU Shreveport (La.) and No. 9 Rogers State (Okla.) at 12 p.m. PDT on Monday, May 28. The Coyotes exit the World Series with a 0-2 record and 41-21 mark overall.

Both teams starting pitchers tossed complete games with Lewis-Clark State's Anthony Armanino claiming the win to improve to 10-1 on the season. Armanino allowed one run on eight hits, while striking out eight and walking two. College of Idaho starter Todd Griffiths (4-2) took the loss. The senior right hander allowed five runs - one earned - on 11 hits. He struck out five.

Lewis-Clark State seized control of the contest in the top of the first after Kyle Knigge and Trent Bridges posted back-to-back one-out singles. A fielder's choice gave College of Idaho two outs in the inning, however an error on the Coyotes first baseman extended the inning and gave new life to Lewis-Clark State with Braxton Miller coming to the plate. Miller responded to the challenge, blasting a three-run home run over the left field wall to give the Warriors an early 4-0 lead.

The Warriors added another run in the third when Knigge scored after opening the inning with a double to right-center. Knigge was brought home by a two out single by Casillas.

College of Idaho made a dent in the Lewis-Clark State lead with a run in the fifth, but proved unable to further close the gap.

The 1-2-3 hitters all had multi-hit games for Lewis-Clark State, led by Knigge who finished with a double and two runs scored. Eight of the nine Warrior starters recorded a hit in the contest.

Jarel Lewis led the Coyote offense, going 2-for-4 at the plate with the team's lone RBI.